Incident Details
A 99-tonne Chinese fishing boat capsized off the southwestern coast of South Korea on Monday, November 10, 2025, leaving nine crew members missing. The vessel reportedly overturned around 8:53 a.m. local time, approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles) southwest of Eocheong Island, near the port city of Gunsan. There were a total of 11 people on board the fishing boat when the incident occurred.
The distress call was initially received by the Chinese coast guard, who then alerted the Korea Coast Guard Region-West. The Chinese consulate general in Gwangju, a city near Gunsan, has confirmed the details of the incident.
Rescue Operations Underway
Immediately following the capsize, a passing cargo ship successfully rescued two crew members from the water. However, the remaining nine individuals are still unaccounted for, prompting a large-scale search and rescue operation led by the South Korean Coast Guard, specifically the Gunsan Coast Guard.
Resources deployed to the scene include:
- Four patrol vessels, one of which is a 3,000-ton vessel
- Helicopters
- Aircraft, with some reports mentioning one plane and others three aircraft
Rescue crews have observed a layer of fuel believed to have leaked from the capsized vessel, but no other debris or objects connected to the boat have been found so far.
Regional Context and Cooperation
This incident marks the second Chinese fishing boat capsize in South Korean waters within a short period. Just one day prior, on Sunday, November 9, another Chinese fishing vessel capsized off Gageo Island. That earlier accident resulted in two deaths and three missing crew members, with six others rescued. South Korean and Chinese authorities are maintaining cooperation in the ongoing search and rescue efforts for both incidents.
7 Comments
Comandante
It's truly heartbreaking for the missing sailors and their families, and the rescue efforts are commendable. However, the frequency of these incidents raises serious questions about safety standards and operational practices on these vessels.
Manolo Noriega
Another one? Chinese fishing boats clearly have safety issues.
Comandante
Maritime work is inherently risky, and accidents can happen to anyone. But when multiple similar incidents occur in quick succession, it suggests a systemic problem that authorities on both sides need to seriously investigate, not just react to.
Fuerza
The immediate focus should absolutely be on finding the missing crew, and the South Korean efforts are admirable. Yet, the reported fuel leak adds an environmental dimension to this tragedy, indicating potential long-term consequences beyond the human cost.
Comandante
My thoughts are with the families. Fishing is such a dangerous profession.
Ongania
Why are so many Chinese boats capsizing in South Korean waters? Something's fishy.
Fuerza
While it's positive to see international cooperation in the search and rescue, the recurring nature of these capsizes is concerning. We need to understand the root causes, whether it's overfishing pressures or inadequate vessel maintenance, to prevent future tragedies.